Standing up and standing out for Red Ribbon Week

Red Ribbon Week is about taking a stand against the insidious devastation of drug and alcohol abuse in our community.

It’s also about standing out in that pledge, united in an indefinite commitment toward a drug-free, healthy community.

More than 2,000 teenagers within North Idaho’s five counties are addicted to either alcohol or drugs, according to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse.

Addiction affects everyone, the individuals and their families.

This year’s campaign message, The Best Me is Drug Free, is a catalyst for change. This section of the Coeur d’Alene Press is dedicated to how programs like the Good Samaritan, Daybreak Youth Services, the Anchor House and the Idaho Youth Ranch, are working toward these life-saving solutions.

Let us not only make a commitment to remaining drug free as individuals, but let’s pledge to extending a helping hand to people in our lives who are deep in their addiction and want to be helped. Sometimes just pointing a person in the right direction can set them on the path towards healing and recovery.